Hall of Famer Gary Payton has been suspended indefinitely from his role as a Fox Sports 1 NBA analyst as the company investigates domestic violence accusations made in a civil lawsuit, Fox Sports 1 said in a statement given to multiple media outlets.
"Regardless of the circumstance, domestic violence is abhorrent and inexcusable and FOX takes these accusations very seriously," the statement read. "As soon as we were made aware of the claim, we began an internal investigation. Mr. Payton was suspended immediately pending the completion of the investigation. Out of respect for both parties we will not be making any additional statements."
Payton's agent, Eric Goodwin, refuted the accusations in an interview Wednesday with The Seattle Times, noting that a police report was never filed in the case.
"Unfortunately with the climate of claims against athletes for monetary gains, Mr. Payton is just another victim and will fight this frivolous lawsuit," Goodwin told the newspaper.
Payton, 46, has worked for Fox Sports 1 since the network launched in 2013.
He played 17 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Seattle SuperSonics, before retiring in 2007. He was a nine-time All-Star and the 1995-96 defensive player of the year.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
